Engine oil is indispensable for the efficient functioning of your vehicle’s engine and so is the transmission fluid for the effective operation of your vehicle’s transmission. When the transmission fluid level decreases due to various factors, it can jeopardize your transmission. A jeopardized transmission can result in a total transmission breakdown, which can be a costly issue for vehicle owners. In this blog post, we explore the typical indicators of low transmission fluid to help you avert a complete failure of your vehicle’s transmission. 

Decoding Transmission Fluid

Depending on your vehicle’s transmission type, you may have either automatic or manual transmission fluid. This fluid, typically synthetic, is engineered to lubricate the gears and parts of your transmission, supply hydraulic pressure and friction to the automatic transmission, and manage the temperature of this industrious component of your vehicle. 

Why Does Transmission Fluid Level Drop?

Some transmission fluid may naturally evaporate over time, but it is seldom enough to cause a substantial decrease in the level. The primary cause for low transmission fluid is a transmission system leak in the transmission pan or due to a defective gasket. At other times, a leak may occur somewhere in the transmission line. A slow leak is more difficult to detect because it may evaporate in the engine before showing up beneath the vehicle. Transmission fluid is easy to identify if there is a significant leak due to its bright red color. Older transmission fluid is a darker red or even brownish hue. 

If you discover that your transmission fluid is low, make sure to refill it so that it continues to provide its essential function to the transmission components. If the fluid level continues to be low, have your vehicle inspected by a professional. 

Indicators of Low Transmission Fluid

Besides regularly checking the level of transmission fluid, there are some signs and symptoms that can suggest that your vehicle’s transmission fluid is low.  Stay alert for these symptoms. 

• Dashboard Warning Light: The dashboard warning is the first sign of a problem with your transmission.  
• Overheating: If the fluid level is low, your engine will overheat without the necessary cooling from your transmission fluid.  You may detect a burning smell in addition to overheating. 
• Gear Issues:  Challenges with shifting gears in your vehicle could be a symptom of low transmission fluid. The fluid normally provides the right lubrication to reduce friction and grinding of the gears.  Slipping of gears during shifting may also be something you experience with low transmission fluid. 
• Unusual Noises: The transmission can emit various sounds when the transmission fluid is low, including humming, clunking, grinding, or whining noises. Parts that are not lubricated from the transmission fluid will cause these various sounds.  

When Should Transmission Fluid Be Replaced?

Replacing your transmission fluid depends on your driving habits.  For example, the type of driving you may do like city driving.  Or, if you regularly tow heavy loads, this can put stress on your transmission.  For these circumstances, you may want to change your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles driven. The fluid color and viscosity will indicate the urgency for replacement.  Darker and thicker transmission fluid needs replacement. 

Do you have concerns about your vehicle’s transmission or fluid?  If so, contact the professionals at Geller’s Automotive to schedule a full inspection and/or repairs.